Gwen Coburn: Five Mythical Monsters That Are Actually Just Strong, Independent Women
Fringe Magic
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Fringe Magic 〰️
Image: Dirty Sugar Studios
It’s time for Edinburgh Fringe 2025, and with it, our annual feature series! This year, we’re celebrating the special, unique Fringe moments — the ones that feel like pure MAGIC…
By Gwen Coburn
I have a bone to pick with mythology. Look, I've been thinking about all these "monsters" from ancient stories and, would you believe it? They're actually really cool women. These ladies were living their lives – being brilliant, resilient, or insufficiently interested in fish-men – and somehow became cautionary tales. I feel an obligation to stand up for my fellow sad girls throughout history. Let me present the evidence.
The Sphinx
Just because you can’t answer her riddles doesn’t make her a monster, my guy. God forbid a woman be an expert in her field! Plus as a winged lion-woman, she literally contains multitudes. She should be giving a TedTalk.
Scylla & Charybdis
Scylla was given dog-legs for rejecting a fish-man. Classic. Oh no, now she's "banished" to a cozy waterfront cave, right next door to her bestie Charybdis? What a terrible fate – seaside living with her six pups, no men bothering her, AND a neighbor who's excellent at staying hydrated. Charybdis drinks from the sea three times a day and suddenly she's a "dangerous whirlpool." I see a woman who does selfcare and drinks her water. Friendship goals.
Hydra
She's the many-headed serpent who grows back two heads for every one you cut off. You can tear her down but she comes back stronger, baby. She's the ultimate comeback queen, pure resilience. That's not monstrous, it's inspirational.
Siren
They're just singer-songwriters trying to make their art. Their voices are so powerful they move people to tears and madness; as anyone who has seen Beyoncé in concert understands. It's not the Sirens' fault if audiences are losing their minds.
Banshees
These wailing spirits are sometimes beautiful, sometimes not – an observation that gives the same energy as a coworker asking if you are sick when you don't wear makeup. Old or young, they're clearly comfortable in their skin. The Banshees are most known for their piercing, unending shrieks and cries. Honestly, with everything going on in the world right now, screaming forever seems like the only rational response.
Gwen Coburn: Sad Girl Songs is running from August 1-23rd (3:10pm) at Greenside @ George Street (Ivy Studio). Tickets here
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